Bridge beats London agencies to land new motoring client

COVENTRY PR firm Bridge PR & Media Services has beaten off competition from four London agencies to secure its biggest ever client win.

The agency will now represent countrywide independent garage scheme, Trust My Garage, which helps motorists seeking a reliable independent garage. The partnership will see Bridge significantly increase awareness of Trust My Garage through a campaign using traditional and digital PR.

Stuart James, Independent Garage Association director at the Retail Motor Industry, said: “Bridge came to us with a proven track record in our industry, thanks to the work they had previously done with another independent garage scheme. It was immediately clear during their pitch that they fully understood our brief and had lots of innovative ideas to help us raise the profile of Trust My Garage to motorists all over the country.”

The deal comes as Bridge PR is basking in the glow of four new client wins in the space of just three months. In January the company began work with manufacturing firm BAKER and has recently added Midland-based Obsession Salon and Spa chain, and atg airports, a leading manufacturer of airfield lighting solutions to its growing client portfolio.

Denise Taylor, managing director, said: “We are finding our services and expertise are much in demand and this is allowing us grow in both consumer and b2b PR.”

Ed James Group roars on after raiding Big Cat

BIRMINGHAM-based full service agency, the Ed James Group, has expanded with the recruitment of two new members of staff. The appointments will enable the agency to service clients on both the PR and Events side of the business.

Chris Brown, former account manager at Big Cat Group, has been made PR manager and Matt Reynolds, who has a background in commercial film making and education, has joined as account executive. Both will work across existing clients including The Cube, Marco Piere White’s Steakhouse, Bar and Grill, Hotel Indigo, theclubandspa, Kingfisher Shopping Centre and FINDINGS.

Ed James, managing director of Ed James Group said: “We’re delighted to be welcoming both Chris and Matt to the team. The appointments are a result of the continued growth of the agency and a number of new account wins including Kingfisher Shopping Centre in Redditch and FINDINGS, a photography project run in conjunction with the Library of Birmingham, Colmore Business District and Jewellery Quarter Business District.

“We’re sure that Chris and Matt will be fantastic additions to the team, bringing a range of new skills and experience that will further strengthen the group and the services that we can provide our clients.”

Purple Sprout beefs up social media presence with new recruit

STAFFORDSHIRE agency Purple Sprout has expanded its PR team with a new appointment. Annabelle Rees has been recruited as a PR assistant to help with the agency’s increasing workload.

Ms Rees, who graduated from Staffordshire University in 2012 with a History and English Literature degree and has a background in media, will work on improving the agency’s social media management.

She said: “I am really looking forward to working with Jade Griffin (account manager) and the team at Purple Sprout PR and developing with the business.  I intend to transfer the skills I have acquired on the opposite side of the media into my new role with Purple Sprout, aiding clients with all of their PR queries and requirements.”